"Alarming Psychiatric Assessment"

I had the misfortune to be referred to the Psychiatrist at Psychiatry Now Ltd for an Assessment.

I found the experience confusing and without a clear outcome from my Assessment.

During the Assessment, the Psychiatrist did not make good eye contact and I found this uncomfortable and distracting.

They also made several references to their father and his views during the Assessment (I say this in complete seriousness); which I found very odd and not relevant to my Assessment; as, so far as I am aware, he is not a Psychiatrist or an authority in this discipline.

The outcome of my Assessment (as far as I can gather because I was not provided with an Assessment document; just some scribbled notes on a scrap of paper!) was to be offered a prescription for anti-psychotic drugs!

I have no history of psychosis or harmful behaviour towards myself or others; and I frankly received this information in disbelief! Having since spoken with a Psychotherapist who knows me very well, I think it would be accurate to say this prescription was not necessary or justifiable.

I understand that talking therapy (or other, more appropriate therapies), might seem to be more expensive; but a second opinion from a very experienced practitioner provided several other (less disturbing) options for support that were much more appropriate to my needs.

It would be advisable to seek a second opinion from another professional before agreeing to a course of treatment that may not be in your best interests.

I would also suggest taking someone you trust to accompany you; so they can verify whether the Assessment conversation is (1) relevant to you personally, (2) has a purpose and outcome and (3) generally makes sense in the context of the situation (nobody wants to leave more confused and distressed than when they go in!).

I hope this review is helpful to others in making informed decisions about their mental health care.

My personal experience has been that the best assessment and support I have received has actually been from very experienced registered Psychotherapists; who also have many years training and may have had a more robust history of patient contact to reference (rather than their own family members!)